Key West is located at the southern tip of the United States. It is a popular destination for tourists in Florida and home to famous writers like Tennessee Williams and Ernest Hemingway. Key West is an island popular for its beaches, water sports,and activities like snorkeling, sailing and kayaking. Here, you can catch the most magnificent of sunsets. Moreover, the island is rich in culture, traditions, and history. The architecture of houses in Key West is stunning.
When in Key West, let us take care of your transportation needs by renting a car with us. A Key West rental car allows you to explore the city at your own pace and convenience. Rent a convertible, perfect for enjoying the sun and sea breeze while driving through the Florida Keys. Move around Key West and tour its most popular attractions at your convenience with a car rental.
- 1. Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory
- 2. Duval Street
- 3. The Oldest House Museum
- 4. Southernmost Point
- 5. Key West Aquarium
- 6. Dry Tortugas National Park
- 7. Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
- 8. Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum
- 9. Audubon House & Tropical Gardens
- 10. Mallory Square
- Best Places to Eat & Drink in Key West
Must-see attractions in Key West
1. Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory
The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is a must-visit with your family. The glass conservatory houses more than 50 species of colorful butterflies and exotic birds in a beautiful garden. Your children can also learn about the life cycle of butterflies at the Learning Center. After, you can head to the caterpillar area to witness the life cycle transformations.
Address: 1316 Duval St., Key West, FL 33040
Entry fees: Tickets
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: 1 hour
2. Duval Street
Duval Street is the most visited attraction by tourists in Key West. Foodies and shoppers should start their Key West tour here since it has several shops and restaurants. It is also a great place to unwind after a day of touring attractions and historic homes. The attraction hosts several festivals like the Hemingway Days Festival during the summer.
Address: Runs north to south between Whitehead St. and Simonton St.
Entry fees: Free
Hours: Open 24/7
Time required to see the attraction: 30 minutes
3. The Oldest House Museum
The Oldest House Museum is the oldest building in Key West and the former home of Francis Watlington. History enthusiasts can learn about Key West’s history and appreciate the family portraits and original furnishings inside the building. The Oldest House Museum also has several displays depicting the history of Key West.
Address: 322 Duval St., Key West, FL 33040
Entry fees: Tickets
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: 1 hour
4. Southernmost Point
A black, yellow and red concrete buoy marks the southernmost point of the United States. The Southernmost Point is the most iconic landmark in Key West and is only 90 miles from Cuba. Performers and street vendors make this attraction lively by showcasing their local talent and selling souvenirs.
Address: Whitehead St., Key West, Florida 33040
Entry fees: Free
Hours: Open 24/7
Time required to see the attraction: 20 minutes
5. Key West Aquarium
Key West Aquarium is the oldest aquarium in the state of Florida. It was built in 1930 as an open-air aquarium and is now home to thousands of sea creatures. It has different sections and exhibits appropriate for each age group, children to adults. You can also engage in feeding animals like sharks and stingrays.
Address: 1 Whitehead St., Key West, Florida 33040
Entry fees: Tickets
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: 1 hour
6. Dry Tortugas National Park
The park comprises seven small islands surrounded by a large expanse of turquoise blue waters. Dry Tortugas National Park is approximately 50 miles from the mainland and accessible by boat, seaplane, or ferry. It bears a rich history, including the historical building of Fort Jefferson built in the 19th Century. You can join the guided tour of the fort and learn about its fascinating history. You can also have fun snorkeling, swimming and bird watching at Dry Tortugas National Park.
Address: 40001 State Hwy 9336, Homestead, FL 33034
Entry fees: More information
Hours: Depends on the ferry and seaplane schedule; camping overnight is available
Time required to see the attraction: 5 hours
7. Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
Fort Zachary Taylor played a big role in protecting Key West during the Civil War. It was built in the 19th Century and is home to many historical artifacts like armaments used in the Civil War era. Several annual events are held at the park, such as sculpture contests, boat races and pirate festivals. The park has sections for activities like biking, hiking, swimming or snorkeling.
Address: 601 Howard England Way, Key West, FL 33040
Entry fees: More information
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: 4 hours
8. Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum
This is the former home of the famous writer Ernest Hemingway. It is an old building that dates to the 19th century. The museum bears stunning architecture, hence why it was turned into a museum shortly after Hemingway’s descendants sold it. A tropical garden surrounds the house and is a great place to enjoy a relaxing walk.
Address: 907 Whitehead St., Key West, FL 33040
Entry fees: Tickets
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: 30 minutes
9. Audubon House & Tropical Gardens
If you love period pieces like colonial furniture, include Audubon House and Tropical Gardens in your itinerary. Audubon House was built in the 1840s and is adorned with European furniture from the 18th and 19th centuries. The furniture reflects the elegant lifestyle of a wealthy family during the industrial era. Moreover, the house is surrounded by lush gardens with tropical plants like palm trees and hibiscus.
Address: 205 Whitehead St., Key West, FL 33040
Entry fees: Tickets
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: 45 minutes
10. Mallory Square
Mallory Square, formerly a warehouse space, is the best location in Key West to catch beautiful sunsets. It has become the place to see the sun set, with live entertainment like straitjacket escapes and dog unicycling. Several stores and the Key West Sponge Market are on site where you can grab a souvenir of Key West.
Address: 400 Wall St., Key West, FL 33040
Entry fees: Free
Hours: Open 24/7
Time required to see the attraction: 2 hours
Best Places to Eat & Drink in Key West
Key West’s proximity to Cuba and its island location plays a role in cuisines served here. The dining comprises Cuban- and Caribbean-inspired dishes and fresh seafood. Yellowtail snapper, stone crab claws and spiny lobsters are the common seafood you will enjoy in the town. You will have dining options ranging from small casual cafes to five-star restaurants.
Blue Heaven: Dine at Blue Heaven for delicious Caribbean cuisine. The restaurant also serves American and vegetarian dishes, with indoor and outdoor dining available. A bar and live entertainment are available at Blue Heaven for fun evenings with your friends.
Seaside Café at the Mansion: This restaurant is famous for its classic honey-butter lobster biscuits, artisan pizzas and mojitos. It is a charming waterfront restaurant on the southern shore, improving your dining experience with scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean and a cool ocean breeze.
Latitudes: Latitudes offers seafood dishes and is a great place for breakfast or brunch with friends or family. It has an intimate and romantic atmosphere and offers breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico.
